The Pokémon Company International has announced a brand new gameplay mechanic which looks set to shake up the Trading Card Game's tried and trusted formula.

Called 'Battle Styles', this new way to play includes 'Single Strike Style', which delivers powerful, hard-hitting attacks that can Knock Out an opponent in a single blow, and 'Rapid Strike Style', which uses sneaky, technical attacks that allow a player to attack their opponent when least expected.​

It's all been inspired by Pokémon Sword and Shield – and, in particular, the legendary Pokémon Urshifu – and will debut in a brand new expansion which is launching worldwide on 19th March 2021. The new set will fittingly be called Sword & Shield - Battle Styles and includes the following:

  • 60 Battle Style cards
  • 12 Pokémon V and 16 full-art Pokémon V
  • Six Pokémon VMAX
  • 19 Trainer cards and six full-art Supporter cards
  • Two Special Energy cards
Pokemon Cards1
Pokemon Cards2

In the new set, you'll find cards like Single Strike Urshifu V, Rapid Strike Urshifu V, Single Strike Tyranitar V, and Rapid Strike Empoleon V, as well as Single Strike Urshifu VMAX and Rapid Strike Urshifu VMAX in their Gigantamax forms. Booster packs, Elite Trainer boxes and special collections will all be available.

That epic trailer has us sold on the idea, but what about you? Do you think this will be a welcome addition to the Pokémon TCG? Share your thoughts with us below.